MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up an ambitious January swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels.

The Red Devils attempted the land the World Cup winner but saw their efforts thwarted by Jurgen Klopp.

Hummels was named as Dortmund captain before the start of the new season, quashing any talks of a move to Old Trafford, but according to reports Van Gaal is still determined to secure his signature.

The Germany international has also been attracting interest from Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Van Gaal is willing to offer him a lucrative contract after splashing the cash on stars such as Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera and Radamel Falcao.

If I wanted to leave the club one day I would want it to be 100 per cent open and fair for everyone

Mats Hummels

The Dutchman is also looking to bring in Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman once the window re-opens, whilst an audacious £60million return for Cristiano Ronaldo is also in the works.

Hummels recently revealed that, contrary to rumours, he does not have a buyout clause in his contract, unlike team-mate Marco Reus.

The 25-year-old said: "If I wanted to leave the club one day I would want it to be 100 per cent open and fair for everyone.

"I wouldn't like to say: "Oh, by the way, thank you for the last year, it was nice but I'm off.' I would like the club to have time to adjust to it."